BSc (Hons) Web Applications Development - Course overview
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    KEY FACTS

    • Title
      BSc (Hons) Web Applications Development
    • Course type
      Full-time
    • Duration
      3 years (optional placement)
    • Award
      Bachelor of Science - BSc (Hons)
    • Faculty
      Faculty of Science and Technology
    • School
      School of Computing and Mathematics
    • UCAS codes
      Institution P60
      Course G454
    • Location
      Plymouth
Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > undergraduate > BSc (Hons) Web Applications Development

web applications logoBSc (Hons) Web Applications Development

Web-based applications are now essential to support business and major organisations.  Developing such applications requires experienced professionals not only fluent in a wide range of cutting edge development techniques, but also with strong communication skills. This course aims to develop graduates to fulfil this increasing industry demand.

The emphasis of this course is on employability. A combination of technical know-how, personal (and interpersonal) skills, solid theoretical and intellectual understanding with insight into the future place the graduate in prime position for immediate employment as a web or computing professional and for future promotion to senior positions.

Our students are able to work in any sector, applying their skills to a wide variety of business and organisational situations. Our links to local business help students to build core technical and information system skills whilst having a grounding in reality. 

Students will have the opportunity to take a BCS Web Accessibility Essentials (WAE) accreditation qualification as part of their course.  More details regarding the BCS WAE qualification.
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TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTED LEARNING - ipad mini and ebooks

As a computing student at Plymouth, a key aspect is how we use the technology itself to support your learning. You will receive an Apple iPad mini to give you access to various additional resources that support your modules (e.g. podcasts, eBooks (see below)), as well as to enable you to participate in interactive activities such as in-class voting and feedback, and for accessing various University online systems such as module sites, the electronic library, and of course email.

Free eBooks for all first-year undergraduates on computing courses

First year computing students at Plymouth University have access to free of charge eBook versions of textbooks. The eBook package is worth over £300 and covers core first year modules and can be downloaded to computer, laptop, iPad, iPhone, Android phone or Android tablet.
 
This exciting initiative facilitates the learning process and enables lecturers and students to annotate texts and share their notes and views online.
 
The list of books currently available comprises:
  • Ambler -Agile database techniques: effective strategies for the agile software developer
  • Farrell - Microsoft Visual C# - An introduction to Object-oriented Programming
  • Gollmann - Computer Security
  • Goodrich -Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Silberschatz - Operating System Concepts
  • Stephens - Beginning database design solutions
  • Tavani - Ethics and Technology:  Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing
  • Watson, Nagel, Pedersen & Reid  -  Beginning Visual C#
These eBooks are readable using Vitalsource Bookshelf (www.vitalsource.com), available for Windows, Mac OS X and for iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad) or Android devices (please check the Vitalsource website for full system requirements). There is also a Bookshelf Online portal that allows access through most devices that have a web browser. Please see the Vitalsource web site for further information.

The Guardian University Awards logo

  

Winner in the Teaching Excellence category for the Guardian University Awards 2013.

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Course Highlights

Students working on Mac computers The programme builds the foundation skills for professional website development by exploring core technologies, methodologies, information management, user interaction, creative design and skills for interactive media.  During the course of study there are opportunities to develop key employable skills through real web development projects with local business and to join with student-led societies such as the Web Development Society, the Computer and Information Security society and Termisoc.

Fundamental skills are taken from the computing discipline; programming, database management and multimedia technology.  This is combined with personal professional skills essential for success in the professional web environment.  During the final year there are options to develop your interest in specific aspects of web development further with a selection of optional modules.


Web developers are increasingly required to facilitate the connection between established in-house systems and the interactive web-enabled interface.

This course is not just about web design, but looks at the bigger picture. Skills are developed from the wider perspective by bringing in aspects from the related established disciplines of computing and information systems. As a compliment to the theoretical foundations students have the opportunity to work with contacts from industry and local business to gain a wider understanding of the business world. This ensures a broad grounding to empower graduates to become professional facilitators of the web.
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Computing at Plymouth

A short video introducing the computing subject area and what it is like to study computing at Plymouth from a current student.

Development environment

Students have access to development environments with industry strength tools and software development kits.  Software such as PHP, MySql, ASP.NET and Oracle provide the backdrop for exploring the multi-faceted dynamic nature of web development.

Many labs are equipped with dual boot machines allowing development to be carried out on a variety of operating systems.
Mobile devices are increasingly used for web access and not only do students undertake a final stage module exploring mobile programming, but they also have the opportunity to undertake CPD in iPhone programming should they wish.
Students can volunteer with the web society and engage in important community activities that showcase their talents.
In addition to the specialist computing labs students have access to a wide range of facilities across the Faculty of Science and Technology. 

​Industry Perspective

"Web applications are the future of software development, with services like Facebook and Google Docs reaching millions of people worldwide. Delivering applications of this quality via the browser to desktops, mobiles and tablets requires an in depth understanding of CSS, HTML and JavaScript. Software Engineers with a solid understanding of server side languages like PHP are required to ensure the application can scale horizontally for potentially huge user bases.

The Web Applications Development course primes students with the necessary skills to excel in either discipline, which is why we look to Plymouth University to recruit exactly the kind of talent and skill set we need as a company."
Ben Freeston
Managing Director
magicseaweed

During the second year students engage with local small businesses to help develop their web presence.  Elizabeth Williams from Well Heeled comments:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this module. The staff and students of the University of Plymouth have been professional and provided me with the opportunity to develop a business idea that I would not normally be able to pursue."

"Both directors were impressed with the students commitment to our project.  As a small business we found working with the students a great success and would recommend local businesses allow students to learn their needs and for the business to learn the new ideas from the students"

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT. A graduate is entitled to apply for membership of the BCS (MBCS) and has fully met the academic requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP)  registration.

The BCS South West branch has a very active programme holding many of their sessions at Plymouth University.  The branch has a rich programme of events that contribute to broadening the knowledge and experience of the students.

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Placement

Many of our graduates say the work placement year, offered on most of our courses, was invaluable in helping them launch their careers.  As well as giving students essential ‘real world’ experience, a year in industry can often lead to job offers from the placement company.  Some placement companies have even chosen to sponsor students for their final year.

Steve Bell remarks:Graduate from WAD


​"As a former graduate from the BSc (Hons) Web Applications Development degree I cannot emphasise more the importance of self-learning.  The course delivers an array of key competencies necessary to prepare you for the wide range of jobs available within the IT industry.  Employers are looking for more than just the material taught on the degree and expect you to demonstrate your interest from additional projects.

I would highly recommend doing a placement year, as this will place you ahead of the competition when you get to the interview process.  This will show your relevant experience, your degree and an interest in your future.

Within one month of leaving university, I landed a job as a Web Developer for a great company with future prospects and a training programme.  My degree has allowed me to fulfil my aspirations and gain me a career I've been striving for"